Privacy Policy

These tips have been collected from actual feedback from clients and consultants:

Research the company

List some good questions to ask

Plan your route (arrive 15 minutes before the interview)

Have an early night

Wear appropriate dress (your consultant can advise on the company style)

Good strong (not too tight) handshake

Take copy of CV for interviewer but don’t use it for reference (this suggests fiction and prevents eye contact)

Relax and enjoy the interview – try and build a good rapport, be friendly but professional

Never swear, or put down work colleagues, previous bosses or employers

Be open with your answers and about your skills and experience but don’t talk too much or waffle

Smile!

Questions to think about:

Why do you want this job?Be positive about the job and your current and previous jobs. Try to think of other motivators for leaving apart from Money, or shorter hours etc.

What research have you done on the company? Impress them with your research. Have a look at their website.

What qualities do you think they are looking for? Write a list of your attributes and experience that will directly benefit this job. These may include communication, organisational or interpersonal skills, problem solving, analytical skills, typing, shorthand, leadership skills etc.

What can you contribute? This is your opportunity to sell yourself. Talk about your achievements in your previous positions, which are relevant to the new position you are applying for.

Analysing your character/thought process

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

How would your manager get the best out of you?

How do you react to criticism?

How would your best friend describe you?

How would you describe yourself under pressure?

If we gave you the position and you find yourself struggling with the demands after a few weeks, what would you do about this?

Assessing your suitability for the role (skills/experience)

Tell me briefly about your career to-date

What is your understanding of the role for which you are applying?

What experience/qualities do you have that relate to this role?

What did you enjoy most about your last job?

Give me some examples of when you have worked to deadlines or targets

Give an example of a stressful/demanding work situation and how you handled it

Why do you want to join us?

Why should we give you the job?

Testing your commitment

Do you have any reservations about this position?

What do you think will be the most important thing you are looking for in your next job?

Why are you seeking new employment?

What sort of salary are you looking for?

What is the reason for leaving your last job?

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Testing your interpersonal skills

Tell me about your relationship with your last boss

Have you ever worked with anyone that you didn’t get on with that well, and how did this affect you?

What is your greatest achievement to date?

Would you have a problem working for somebody younger than you?

Do you prefer a team environment or working alone?

Possible questions you could ask the interviewer (depending on role):The interview is a two-way process and you need to have enough information to decide whether the position and company are right for you. Asking questions also shows a genuine interest in the company which will endear you to the interviewer.

We can also advise you on the opportunities for progression and therefore questions regarding this should be limited accordingly.

Who will I report to?

Where will I fit into the organisational structure?

Can you tell me a little about the company culture?

Who are your customers?

What would you say are the best and worst parts of this job?

What are the future plans for the company?

How has the position become vacant?

How will my performance be assessed?

Do you offer any training opportunities?

What are the longer-term possibilities for promotion?

What will be my salary, benefits and bonuses (don't bring this up too early)?